Interview Lison Desprez
Making the switch from the juniors to the U23 isn't easy for everyone. But Lison Desprez is making progress really fast among her new age peers. At the age of 18, she already achieved two top 25 spots in elite World Cups. In smaller races, she already collected top 10 spots and podium places. The French rider wants to make further progress in the sport and keep enjoying it in the same way. In this interview she tells about her sport and how she experienced her first months among the pros.
In your first year as U23 rider, you have already been in the top 25 of World Cup races. How did the step to a higher age category feel to you?
I think there is a big gap between the juniors and U23s. Mostly because we ride with the elite riders, and in comparing with previous years, I don't start on the first rows, so that's more difficult. But I think that I cope very well with it as first year U23.
What is your favourite kind of parcours?
I like technical tracks where I'm often comfortable.
You're also doing MTB during Summer. Do you feel that it also helps you in cyclocross?
Yes, actually a bit even that it's not the same thing or effort. I think that I'm comfortable with the technical aspect of cyclocross, partially thanks to MTB.
What are your goals for this Winter?
Before starting my first season in the U23 category, I didn't really have goals because I didn't know what I could expect. I mostly would have liked to keep enjoying my bike! So I hope to continue setting these results in the World Cup races, why not going for a top 20 spot and taking part at the Worldcampionships. I would like that a lot!
How did you discover cycling?
I discovered cycling a bit on the go. I already tried multiple sports before but it was the bike that I prefered. So I started on the mountainbike, 8 years ago and eventually also started with cyclocross during the Winter season. It's my 5th season now.
What is the most difficult aspect of cycling to you?
Everything remains difficult in this sport, but I would say that it's mostly mentally. When things don't go as we want, staying focussed in the race or at the end of it when we're exhausted, but we can't let go. I find that difficult on though parcours.
What are your ambitions in the sport?
At the moment, I don't have any specific ambitions yet, even that I would like to turn pro! I wish to stay in touch with the highest level as long as I can continue more big races that will help me to make further progress. But first of all, I wish to continue to enjoy my bike while I take good results.
What are your main interests outside the sport?
When I'm not on my bike. I like to see my friends or my family because I do not always have time for them. Next to that, I'm going to follow distance education about diets & nutrition, so when I'm not on the bike, I try to work as much as I can!
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